0:00:02 > 0:00:04There are few sights more satisfying than a beautiful garden.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07But what do you do if your outdoor space isn't quite
0:00:07 > 0:00:11so picture perfect and you are short on time?
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Well, meet the Instant Gardener.
0:00:13 > 0:00:14Ta-da!
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Danny Clarke is an expert at transforming gardens.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21Here's my plan - I'm going to rejuvenate this garden.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Each time, our gardening guru will show you how to create
0:00:24 > 0:00:27gorgeous garden makeovers.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30That is the art of garden design - delegation.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34Each transformation will be packed with brilliant ideas and tips...
0:00:34 > 0:00:36It makes it easier to cut through.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40..to help you get to grips with your own outdoor space.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42It does feel unnatural, but take your time.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44'With his magical ideas...'
0:00:44 > 0:00:48These flowers will look like they are floating in amongst the grasses.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51'..and advice on spending wisely on a budget...'
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- That's why Danny makes me bring a list.- OK.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Oh, my word. This is amazing.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59'..and because he's the Instant Gardener,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03'everything you see will happen in just one day.'
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Oh, my God.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06That looks so much better.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18This time, we've come to Birmingham, Britain's second-biggest city
0:01:18 > 0:01:20and home to more than one million people.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23With impressive new amenities like the Library of Birmingham
0:01:23 > 0:01:25springing up, this is a city that's been
0:01:25 > 0:01:28regenerating itself in the 21st century.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Today, Danny is going to be attempting a bit of regeneration.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Granted, it is taking place on a slightly more modest scale and it's
0:01:39 > 0:01:43happening here in Yardley Wood, in a leafy suburb in South Birmingham.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47We are about to meet a family in desperate need of an instant garden revival.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- Hello! You must be Sophie. - Hi, Helen.- Nice to meet you.
0:01:56 > 0:01:57- Come in.- Thank you.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06Sophie is a single working mother who's battled to raise three boys,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08Casey, aged 23,
0:02:08 > 0:02:1018-year-old Jack
0:02:10 > 0:02:12and youngest Louis, who is 14.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16At weekends, all Sophie's time is taken up caring for her frail
0:02:16 > 0:02:19and elderly father, whose health is declining.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Because she dedicates all her time to working and to caring for others,
0:02:22 > 0:02:26she's not been able to make any time for herself or her garden.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31Once, her garden was a bit of a wildlife haven, with fruit trees
0:02:31 > 0:02:36and healthy, flowering shrubs that attracted insects and birds aplenty.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38But now the fruit trees are dead and the garden is
0:02:38 > 0:02:42devoid of birdsong, something that Sophie really misses.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46The once verdant lawn has been trashed by years of football
0:02:46 > 0:02:47and bike riding.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51The patio is tired, weed-ridden and needs reviving
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and the flower beds are shapeless and moribund.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58What's more, the garden has become a junkyard full of abandoned items
0:02:58 > 0:03:02and piles of wood, tailing off into a tangled jumble at the end.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07With all her time taken up with supporting her family,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09including her increasingly dependent father,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Sophie hasn't had any time for the garden at all.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17If anyone can restore it to the rich wildlife haven of Sophie's dreams,
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Danny can.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- Hello, Danny.- Hello, Helen. - This is a great space.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- I mean, it's quite a big garden, isn't it?- It's a lovely garden, yes.
0:03:27 > 0:03:28How do you use it?
0:03:28 > 0:03:32At the moment, not very much, but normally we would cook out here.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35We'd eat, drink wine. It's very sunny out here.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Not today.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38I can see the football.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- So this has been used as a football pitch over the years?- It has, yes.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44It's worn the grass away many times.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- So you have three sons, the eldest of which is 23.- Yes.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49He's gone to Australia. He's gone backpacking.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54- And then the next one is...? - He's 18. He's off to uni this year.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- And the youngest is...?- Louis.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58He's 14 and he still wants to hold on to the garden
0:03:58 > 0:04:00but I think he goes out enough, so...
0:04:00 > 0:04:03So this was a space for the boys but going forward, it's hopefully
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- going to be a space for you? - Absolutely. Yes.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09You've had a look around, Danny. What's caught your eye?
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- I tell you, one of the things I do like is the shed.- Oh, thank you.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- I like the colour. So you've got good taste.- I painted that.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16Ah, I'm impressed. I do like it.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Now, there's some wood, by the side there, of the shed.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20Is that important to you?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23It is, yes. I've got two real fires inside the house
0:04:23 > 0:04:24and a wood burner out here.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- So you'd like to reclaim your garden?- That's correct.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29But what would you like to see out here?
0:04:29 > 0:04:31I'd just like some wildlife out here.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- Bees, butterflies, little birds. - OK.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- Come on, Dr Dolittle. Can you do that?- I think so.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39I think we can do something anyway.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Danny, we'll leave that with you...
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- OK.- ..and get out of your hair. - Yeah. And before you go...- Right.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48..I've got a little list for you, but you can't deviate from this list.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- OK? So, when I say list... - He gets nervous when I go shopping.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54..there's two plants on this list.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- I want you to choose one of these two.- OK.- OK?
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- Right, happy gardening.- Thank you. And you two stay dry.- Oh, we will.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Sophie and I set off to do some research,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09leaving Danny just ten hours to turn her tired plot
0:05:09 > 0:05:12into the healthy wildlife garden it could be.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16With the rain closing in and despite feeling under the weather himself,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Dan's got a plan and is determined to see it through.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24Right, this is my plan. If you come this way...
0:05:24 > 0:05:28One of the things we need to do is to restore this patio area
0:05:28 > 0:05:32and de-weed it, and just bring it back to life.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Back to the log store, this log store needs a home.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39We need to find something for it, so the intention is perhaps
0:05:39 > 0:05:43to build some sort of log store on that side of the shed.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45And then this lawn,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48which is completely featureless and boring,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50we are going to reshape it.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55So, I want to use the curve of that patio over there
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and run that curve in towards that fence,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01around, and right to the top over there.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Now, this garden is saying to me that I should use what we've got.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07Now, this gives me the impression that this
0:06:07 > 0:06:09should be a wildlife garden.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13I think it probably is in its own way, so let's work with it.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Let's not work against it.
0:06:15 > 0:06:16Grand plans, as always,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19but at least Danny has got his dedicated support team,
0:06:19 > 0:06:24handyman AJ and horticulturist Lou, to lend a hand.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27To add a bit of extra muscle to the team, Sophie's sons Jack and Louis
0:06:27 > 0:06:31are here to help out in giving their fantastic mum a well-earned treat.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- Louis, that's right, isn't it?- Yeah.- Jack.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Right, we've got... As you can see, the weather is closing in again.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43What I'd like you to do for me is to clear this patio area.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46So we need to have a clear area here for AJ to work in,
0:06:46 > 0:06:48so if you could take all the stuff here?
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Very friendly, very friendly.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52No! No, don't! Don't!
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Down, boy. Naughty boy.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Better DUCK out, Danny, and let Lou and the boys get started.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Meanwhile, I think AJ may have a plan to give Sophie
0:07:03 > 0:07:05a much-needed home for her woodpile.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08AJ, you're going to do the wood store, is that right?
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- That's correct.- OK. Brilliant. - We're going to put it over there.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- Shall I show you what we're going to do?- Yes, please. Thank you.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16Right, we've got to clear all of this first.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- Here. We've got, like, a six-foot by three-foot shed here.- OK, yeah.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24But my plan was, is to make it slightly larger here,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- get a roof on it.- It's going to be a sloping roof?- Sloping roof there
0:07:27 > 0:07:30because, I thought we can kill two birds with one stone here,
0:07:30 > 0:07:32put some guttering on the back of it
0:07:32 > 0:07:35so we can then get rainwater from both roofs
0:07:35 > 0:07:38running along there into a water butt.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- Do a bit of recycling of that water. - OK. That's a great idea.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- Plants love that, don't they?- Yeah, yeah.- Rainwater.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47They love rainwater and it's a great way of recycling.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Sounds like a great idea.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Recycling is at the heart of Danny's plan to regenerate
0:07:52 > 0:07:54this wildlife garden.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57And making use of what you already have is a great way
0:07:57 > 0:07:59to make your budget go further.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02While AJ gets started with his woodshed design,
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Danny's come up with an ingenious use for
0:08:05 > 0:08:07a common piece of garden equipment.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10You can actually shape the lawn by eye.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13I could do that but I don't trust my eye,
0:08:13 > 0:08:18so I'm using what most people have got - a hosepipe.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Just give it a little bit of a tug
0:08:20 > 0:08:23and once you are happy with the shape...
0:08:26 > 0:08:29..maybe give it a little pull here and there,
0:08:29 > 0:08:31and, you know what? I'm happy with that.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34This part here is going to be my bed.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36So this is where the plants are going to go
0:08:36 > 0:08:39and this end here,
0:08:39 > 0:08:40up to the shed,
0:08:40 > 0:08:42will be a gravel path.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46Danny seems more than happy with his grand design
0:08:46 > 0:08:50but Lou can see a problem with having such large flowerbeds.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53See, I think some people, if they're not used to gardening,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- they're a bit scared of really big beds.- Yeah, sure.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59I think we should bring them in a little bit more.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- What do you reckon, six inches or so?- I think that would work, yeah.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04OK.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09And this is one good reason why we're using the hosepipe -
0:09:09 > 0:09:10because we can adjust it.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13I mean, Lou has rightly said, it's probably...
0:09:13 > 0:09:14the bed is probably a bit too wide.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19So I can easily adjust that now before I start cutting the bed out.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Good point, Lou. One problem solved and less work for everyone, too.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- I think that looks just right. It just seems to work.- Perfect.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32But it's really time to get a move on, as the weather could
0:09:32 > 0:09:34change at any moment.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40While Danny and the team get stuck in,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43I've planned an interesting morning for Sophie,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45who's lost touch with her garden and the wildlife
0:09:45 > 0:09:48she used to enjoy watching there.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50If you're after a bit more wildlife in your garden,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53I think you're going to like this garden we are about to see.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55A few things you could maybe adopt.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58I've brought her to a local garden that's been purposefully
0:09:58 > 0:10:01created to attract the maximum wildlife
0:10:01 > 0:10:03and I think it will be full of perfect ideas
0:10:03 > 0:10:05and tips about how to do this.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08OK.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Jump under here and have a look at this garden.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Oh, wow, it's gorgeous.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It's very colourful, isn't it?
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- Pinks, yellows, lilacs, purples. - And different coloured foliage.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23There's quite a lot going on. It's all coming in
0:10:23 > 0:10:26but it's all as it should be, I think.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Very little lawn.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- Could you see yourself pottering the garden?- I would love to be in this garden.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34I would love this garden, yeah.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- Nice little bird feeder here.- Yeah, it's gorgeous. It's really nice.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Would you like something like that?- I would, yeah.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43And he can watch it from his living room window as well as
0:10:43 > 0:10:44outside in the garden.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47It feels very private, doesn't it? Because everything is quite well-established.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- Which is what you want for your garden, I think.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52It's interesting you said this is a nice, small lawn.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- There isn't any room to play football on here.- Exactly!
0:10:55 > 0:10:58A nice, small lawn. That sounds really manageable.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00That would be a result for you.
0:11:00 > 0:11:01What do you think about the pond?
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- It looks lovely in this garden. - It looks lovely in THIS garden!
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Interpret that as, "Don't give me a pond."
0:11:09 > 0:11:12(You're not getting a pond, I don't think.)
0:11:12 > 0:11:14You wouldn't have thought the garden was this big, would you?
0:11:14 > 0:11:16I know. It's deceptive, isn't it?
0:11:16 > 0:11:19I'm going to put the brolly down to get underneath everything.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- I mean, there is so much going on back here.- It's beautiful.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Layer after layer.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27It's like a second garden.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29These are very, very well-stocked borders.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32There's so much going on in here and down there,
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- it's a sort of woodlandy haven for wildlife, isn't it?- It is.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38I like his bench there as well.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Yeah, a little place to sit out and reflect underneath the blossom tree.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Well, it's more private up here as well, isn't it?
0:11:45 > 0:11:48While we take in the crammed borders and the beauty of this
0:11:48 > 0:11:50wonderful wildlife refuge,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53across the city, Danny is three hours into his day
0:11:53 > 0:11:56and has only just finished marking out his flowerbeds.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58He is now busy cutting the lawn edges.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Come on, Danny, time's flying!
0:12:01 > 0:12:05What I'm doing is cutting the edge of the lawn
0:12:05 > 0:12:07with this half-moon turf edger.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09And...
0:12:11 > 0:12:16..just be patient with it and just follow the line of the hosepipe,
0:12:16 > 0:12:20being careful not to put the half-moon edger through the hosepipe.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21That just wouldn't do, would it?
0:12:24 > 0:12:26With the new boundaries outlined clearly,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Danny can start the next job -
0:12:28 > 0:12:32digging out the turf to create his new flowerbeds.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35And he's enlisted Louis and Jack to help him out.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38His young proteges need a quick lesson in lawn removal.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Yep, so what we're going to do, Jack, is lift this turf.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Just put your foot on top of the spade...
0:12:46 > 0:12:48and just lift it out like that.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52So what we've got to do, we've got to go all the way along here.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56So it might be an idea
0:12:56 > 0:12:58if you start here, with that.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00I'll go and get myself another spade
0:13:00 > 0:13:04and I'll just start over there and perhaps we can meet in the middle.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Using the correct technique is really important
0:13:08 > 0:13:10and saves time and energy in the long run.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11That's it.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Leaving Jack alone to crack on with the heavy work,
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Danny pops outside to catch up with AJ,
0:13:16 > 0:13:18who is busy building the wood shed.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- Hi, AJ.- Hello, mate.- How's it going? - All right. We're getting there.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28What stage are we at now?
0:13:28 > 0:13:32Upside down here is the roof, which I've battened up and secured.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35So once that goes over, I've cut the felt to go on top
0:13:35 > 0:13:38and that's going to be nailed on once I finish doing this.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40These are the back legs,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42but I thought just to make it a little bit pretty,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- instead of just sticking it on top and nailing it in... - Yeah, I like it.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47..I'd cut it in like that so it's nice and smooth.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- A nice, neater finish, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- And that is what I call a chock. - A chock?
0:13:57 > 0:13:59A chock off the old block.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- Yes, that's right.- It's probably where it came from, that saying.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- How's it going in the garden? - Going well. Yeah, going very well.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- What have you done so far? - Nothing.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08That's why it's going well.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- You haven't touched it. You haven't touched it, so it looks brilliant. - Exactly.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- And I'll continue not to touch it. - Good. Good lad.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Well, you'd better get hands-on soon if you are ever going to get
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Sophie's garden to look anything like this one.
0:14:21 > 0:14:22After years of tender care,
0:14:22 > 0:14:25this garden is not only gorgeously attractive,
0:14:25 > 0:14:30it's also alive with tweeting birds and plants that are buzzing with happy insects.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32It's the perfect inspiration for Sophie
0:14:32 > 0:14:36so we're keen to find out more from the person who created it,
0:14:36 > 0:14:37Mike Foster.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- Mike, what a stunning garden. - Thank you.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44When you set out designing this, what were you hoping to achieve?
0:14:44 > 0:14:46I mean, I think we were sort of looking to try
0:14:46 > 0:14:51and provide something that was good for the wildlife.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53I mean, Harborne's a very rural sort of area
0:14:53 > 0:14:56so we are lucky that we've got built-in wildlife.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00But I do enjoy newts, tadpoles and the birds, of course.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05It looks very relaxed but I suspect that takes quite a bit of work?
0:15:05 > 0:15:09Yes. I mean, people always ask this when we have our open garden
0:15:09 > 0:15:13and ask me how long each week I spend in the garden.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14I say, "Well it varies."
0:15:14 > 0:15:18What I tend to do more is to have specific areas each year
0:15:18 > 0:15:20that I reinvigorate.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Sophie, how keen are you to spend much time in the garden?
0:15:23 > 0:15:24Do you want somewhere...?
0:15:24 > 0:15:27I'd like to if it is achievable,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29but time is an issue here.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31How much time do you spend here each week?
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Well, as I say, it varies.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36I mean, with all the other volunteering jobs I do,
0:15:36 > 0:15:40I'm lucky if I can sort of... probably not even a day a week.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43What works particularly well for wildlife?
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Try and get something flowering for as long a season as possible.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48So, is that the key, then, to have things
0:15:48 > 0:15:51flowering from the start of the year to the end of the year?
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Yes, I mean, I think it's like the bird feeder
0:15:53 > 0:15:55we've got in the garden as well.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58You don't just sort of feed the birds for a few weeks
0:15:58 > 0:15:59and then stop doing it.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01You've got to provide the food source
0:16:01 > 0:16:04all the year round for everything.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Take us through the year. What would you plant to get that?
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Right.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11The early forms of crocus
0:16:11 > 0:16:14and pulmonarias I find are very good in the spring.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16They do come into flower very early
0:16:16 > 0:16:18and they'll provide good food sources
0:16:18 > 0:16:20for the early insects that come out.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22You get bumblebees.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25And then, as you get into high summer,
0:16:25 > 0:16:29there are so many things flowering that they're really spoilt for choice.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Into the autumn, buddleia, of course, which is very good.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Obviously, during the winter,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36there's not that many insects around so you don't need to worry too much.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39I notice you've got some quite woody areas down there
0:16:39 > 0:16:41and some bits of rotting bark and things like that.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- Is that intentional for the wildlife?- Oh, yes.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47You need areas... Obviously it's good for insects -
0:16:47 > 0:16:48what we call habitat piles.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51So as well as thinking about things that are going to flower all year round
0:16:51 > 0:16:54and thinking about how you can provide a home and food all year round,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56is it fair to say, if you want a wildlife garden,
0:16:56 > 0:16:58don't be too tidy and be relaxed?
0:16:58 > 0:17:03Oh, yes, definitely. As I say, it suits me.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06It suits my style of gardening as well.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08People call it cottage garden styling.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11You know, you can let things go a bit messy around the edges
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- and you can tell people you are doing it on purpose.- Exactly.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- But also for you.- Suits us.- Yeah.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- But if you haven't got that much time...- Exactly.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22A low-maintenance, relaxed garden or a garden you can be a bit standoffish with...
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- Sounds perfect.- Yeah, and you're doing it for the wildlife.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32To attract more wildlife into your garden, here are a few golden rules.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Think about year-round wildlife attraction
0:17:36 > 0:17:39and choose plants that flower at different times of the year,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42and that produce berries and seeds that will feed birds through winter.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Because there are far fewer wild flowers in the landscape
0:17:47 > 0:17:49than there used to be, many of our bee species
0:17:49 > 0:17:51are struggling to survive
0:17:51 > 0:17:53so plant bee-friendly plants in your garden
0:17:53 > 0:17:56to help provide the nectar they depend on.
0:17:58 > 0:17:59Don't be too tidy.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Insects and small mammals prefer the more unkempt corners
0:18:03 > 0:18:07that can provide nest sites and overwintering opportunities.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Be careful.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Remember not to toss piles of garden debris onto the bonfire
0:18:12 > 0:18:15without checking first for those hibernating residents.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Better still, don't burn them at all.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Keep an eye out for the National Gardens Scheme,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23which lists hundreds of private gardens,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26many designed to harbour wildlife
0:18:26 > 0:18:28and which are sometimes open to the public.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Back at Sophie's own garden, the team have been busy clearing
0:18:33 > 0:18:34and digging out the borders,
0:18:34 > 0:18:38but Danny has uncovered an existing wildlife treasure.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Here's a cotoneaster.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Now, they are very, very common.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45You've probably got one in your garden,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48but it's very useful in a wildlife garden.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51This one's just about to flower
0:18:51 > 0:18:54but the reason that I'm not going to touch this is
0:18:54 > 0:18:57because when it flowers, the bees are going to love it.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58And not only that,
0:18:58 > 0:19:03once it flowers, it will then produce a berry and the birds will love it.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06So I'm going to leave this very well alone.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09The cotoneaster isn't the only wildlife bonus.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12I mean, look at this rose here, for example.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16The bees are going to love it because it's a single rose
0:19:16 > 0:19:19and that means the bees can get in there
0:19:19 > 0:19:21and take their nectar very easily.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24That rose over there, which has a double flower,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27bees can't really get in there to get the nectar
0:19:27 > 0:19:32so this rose is probably better for a garden of this type.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33Ow!
0:19:35 > 0:19:37A bit thorny. Thorny as well.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39And it's got a kick like a mule.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Now, I said that this garden was wildlife friendly.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Look at this creature here, a frog.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52Now, I'd love to pick him up but I don't think it's a good idea
0:19:52 > 0:19:56cos I believe there is something in our skin that is an irritant to them.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59So if you ever see a frog, just leave him well alone.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02But that is an encouraging sign.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09And for our next trick...
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Have you got that?
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Pardon? Say it again.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Circus acts are all very well, but it's a magic trick we need now
0:20:16 > 0:20:20if that wildlife is ever going to get its new sanctuary.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Come on, Mr Clarke, get a move on. Sophie's boys are hard at it.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- Hard work this, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29The lads are doing well.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31I thought he was going for a coffee break.
0:20:31 > 0:20:32It's not allowed on this job.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Not unless you have my permission.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Thank goodness, as there's no time for rests anyway.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41We've only got five hours left to the finish line.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43But at least someone is making progress.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46AJ has managed to complete the framework for the woodshed.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48It's looking good. It looks like a perfect fit.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- Measure twice, cut once.- True.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- That's your mantra.- It is.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58And a sensible mantra it is, too.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Unfortunately, we've got this bit of log
0:21:01 > 0:21:03and...thing that's kind of in the way.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Yeah, I'm just wondering if we'll be able to get this out.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09He's such a bloke, isn't he?
0:21:09 > 0:21:10Just look at him.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12All testosterone.
0:21:14 > 0:21:15Scalp 'em!
0:21:16 > 0:21:19I didn't think you'd get that out that easily.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- You don't know the power of the AJ. - I do now.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27While AJ sorts out the bottom of the woodshed,
0:21:27 > 0:21:32I want to delve a little deeper into why Sophie needs our assistance.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- What about the boys, then, have they enjoyed the garden?- They have.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39They've been in the garden quite regularly, playing football,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41smashing windows in sheds and...
0:21:41 > 0:21:44breaking pots and, yeah,
0:21:44 > 0:21:46general boyish behaviour.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48So they've enjoyed it.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49They've enjoyed it big time.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- But they are now 23, 18...- And 14.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58So my eldest one, Casey, has gone to Australia.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- My middle one, Jack, is about to go to uni.- How do you feel about that?
0:22:03 > 0:22:05It's a new phase in your life.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08It's quite sad when they are moving on but,
0:22:08 > 0:22:10you know, it's life, isn't it?
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Your children leave.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Oh, that's a classic mum face, isn't it?
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Inside you are crying, but you don't want to say anything other than
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- I'm really proud of them. - Yes, exactly.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23It'll be, er, it'll all be good.
0:22:23 > 0:22:24Talk to me about your dad,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27because he comes to stay with you, doesn't he?
0:22:27 > 0:22:29I take care of him during the day.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32He lives independently but, yeah, I have him at weekends
0:22:32 > 0:22:36and take him out for the day or he comes back to mine and we'll eat.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39He'll sit in the garden as well. He enjoys the sunshine.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Yeah, just take care of him.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44He's recently lost a good companion
0:22:44 > 0:22:47so it's been quite hard for him.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51We just try and take care of him in his twilight years.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- How old is he?- 88. - And how is he health-wise?
0:22:54 > 0:22:57He's quite good for his age, really.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00But he's not a very steady on his legs and, you know,
0:23:00 > 0:23:01his age is catching up on him.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04So you're at work all week, keeping an eye on the boys,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- and at the weekends you've got your dad.- Yeah.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- So you really need do need somewhere that's low-maintenance. - Exactly, yeah.
0:23:09 > 0:23:10The football is going.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- The lawn, you hope, is going to take on a new lease of life.- Yeah.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16What would you like to see from that garden, then?
0:23:16 > 0:23:19I'd like to see a wild-looking garden
0:23:19 > 0:23:24that doesn't need to be perfect but, you know, manageable.
0:23:24 > 0:23:25Very much like Mike's garden.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Manageable in its own sort of state.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30How much is this garden makeover a chance for you
0:23:30 > 0:23:34to get a bit of a space for you and something for you,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36to reclaim something for yourself?
0:23:36 > 0:23:39It's excellent, because I don't know where to start
0:23:39 > 0:23:43and, obviously, Dan's going to put me in the right direction.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44I can build from that.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45And see it as a bit of a positive.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- The boys have gone, you've got your garden.- Yes. Exactly.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Keep telling yourself that, Sophie.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Right, if we don't get to this garden centre
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- and we don't get the plants, Danny won't be happy.- OK.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Not that missing plants seems to be an issue back at Sophie's,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04as the team seem to be taking it easy.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07# Yankee doodle, doodle, doodle, called it apple strudel. #
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Instead of planting, Lou and Danny are spending precious time
0:24:10 > 0:24:13deliberating over the quality of the soil.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15This soil looks lovely, Lou.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17- Actually, it's really good.- Yeah.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19- I'm relieved.- Yeah.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- I know you're relieved. - I'll just show you, look.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- It's just really nice and crumbly. - Yeah, that's lovely, isn't it?
0:24:28 > 0:24:32It's got a bit of sand in it. It's not sticking together like clay.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- A bit of everything.- Yeah. - Nice mixture.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37It really means that it's very fertile
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- and anything will grow in it, which is what we want.- A bonus.
0:24:40 > 0:24:41An absolute bonus.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Ah, black gold, eh, Lou?
0:24:44 > 0:24:46It is very important to understand what type of soil you
0:24:46 > 0:24:50have in your garden, as this will affect what will do well.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54Soil testing kits are available from most garden centres.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57But there's no time for that right now,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59as the team are behind schedule
0:24:59 > 0:25:00and need to get a move on.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Come on, Danny, what's next?
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Now, I'm going to plant this lovely fruit tree.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11This is a Cox's Orange Pippin. Absolutely wonderful.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15I think that Sophie is going to love it. I'm going to plant it just here.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Now, it's going to be a bit of a mission
0:25:17 > 0:25:21because it's got quite a big root ball
0:25:21 > 0:25:24and I've got to take away quite a bit of the turf,
0:25:24 > 0:25:28so I'll just dig out an area like this.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33The Cox's Orange Pippin is a variety of apple tree that will
0:25:33 > 0:25:34blossom from April to May.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36And if you don't like eating apples,
0:25:36 > 0:25:39its fruit are perfect for making cider.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Danny has got to get it in the ground
0:25:42 > 0:25:44but he's come up against an obstacle.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Of course, one thing I hadn't bargained for
0:25:48 > 0:25:51is there is a tree root here
0:25:51 > 0:25:53so I'm having to dig away at it
0:25:53 > 0:25:55but, you know, I've got a sharp spade.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57If I'm patient, I will get through it.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03There we are. There's the culprit.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06He was barring my way.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19I've put this fruit tree in an inch below ground level.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21What I've done is I've created a tray here,
0:26:21 > 0:26:23which means that when it rains,
0:26:23 > 0:26:27the water will collect here, thereby keeping this tree well hydrated.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Creating a water trap like this is a great way of keeping plants
0:26:32 > 0:26:34and trees well hydrated.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36But the apple tree is just one of the many
0:26:36 > 0:26:40wildlife-attracting plants Danny will be planting.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Amongst them is this plume thistle.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44As well as red Campion,
0:26:44 > 0:26:45a native British wild flower,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48which is declining in the wild but is sought out by bees
0:26:48 > 0:26:51for its nectar.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Danny also hopes the new cherry and plum trees
0:26:53 > 0:26:55will bring birds flocking.
0:26:55 > 0:26:56Spot on, Danny.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00It looks like your plant choices are working their magic already.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Ah, the buzz of a happy bee!
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- Blimey. There's two bees. - Not even in the ground
0:27:05 > 0:27:07- and they find it. - Yeah, that's brilliant.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09So it just goes to prove
0:27:09 > 0:27:12that these cirsiums are ideal for a wildlife garden.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14While the bees make themselves at home,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16AJ has brought in refreshments
0:27:16 > 0:27:19in the shape of a water butt.
0:27:19 > 0:27:20- Danny.- Yes?
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- Do you want to come over? I've got your beer supply.- Oh, thank you.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- It's up here.- Sorry, OUR beer supply.- Ah, thank you.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Yeah, cos I thought I'd share it with you.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36- Hello there, Danny!- Hello! Hello, hello, hello.- Long time no see.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37Yeah, long time no see.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41This is almost like double bubble, isn't it?
0:27:41 > 0:27:46Because the rainwater, when it hits here, is going to find the drain
0:27:46 > 0:27:47as well as hitting here,
0:27:47 > 0:27:52so it's a very efficient way of collecting water.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54- You pleased with it? - Yes, I am, actually.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57- If you get to see it snaking down. - Cascading effect going on.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01But it's there under both of them to catch everything as it goes along.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Well, that's great, isn't it? That's a great, efficient way for collecting water.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Brilliant, guys.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Harvesting rainwater is a great way to make a garden sustainable
0:28:09 > 0:28:12and minimises using hard tap water,
0:28:12 > 0:28:14so the plants will be happy.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16But maybe it's time to stop admiring your handiwork
0:28:16 > 0:28:20and start finishing off this job before Sophie gets back.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22We're less than an hour away now,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24visiting a local garden centre in Shirley,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27where we've come to fulfil Danny's shopping list.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30OK, let's see what we've got to get from here.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34- A Californian lilac or an Exochorda. - OK.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- Do you know what either of those are?- No idea.- Me neither.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42If you come to a garden centre, do you have a plan of attack?
0:28:42 > 0:28:46- Do you know what you are coming for or do you do you just...? - Not usually.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49I just take what is on offer and what takes my fancy.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Like any other shop, garden centres are designed to draw
0:28:52 > 0:28:55your eye to the things they want you to buy.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57But don't give in to enticement.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01A good rule of thumb is to resist the temptation to impulse buy.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Instead, look for plants that will flower in different seasons
0:29:04 > 0:29:07to bring year-round interest to your garden.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Did you see anything in Mike's garden that you think,
0:29:10 > 0:29:13"Yes, I definitely want to get one of those"?
0:29:13 > 0:29:15There's quite a few things in Mike's garden I'd like
0:29:15 > 0:29:17but I didn't catch the names of them.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23I think those big rhododendrons look great when there is a mass of them.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25Yeah, they did look nice in Mike's garden.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28And they must, if it's flowers that butterflies like,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31they must attract a lot. As must these. I mean, great colours.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33- Do you like azaleas? - They're gorgeous, yeah.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35But what are we looking for?
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Danny will like you for sticking to the list. Let's find these.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41Rhododendrons are definitely not on the shopping list
0:29:41 > 0:29:44since Sophie has already got one at home.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45But hers has a problem -
0:29:45 > 0:29:46it's a hybrid plant,
0:29:46 > 0:29:51a crossbred variety that's begun to revert back to its natural form.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54It's in need of an expert hand.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Sophie has got a rhododendron here.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59It's variegated.
0:29:59 > 0:30:00And one of the things I've noticed
0:30:00 > 0:30:03is that it's suffering from reversion,
0:30:03 > 0:30:08which basically means that this is how man wanted it to be
0:30:08 > 0:30:11and this is how nature intended it to be.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13We've bred it to have these two colours in it,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17but what it wants to do is revert back to how it once was.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21What I'm going to do is cut these pieces out.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Cutting off the branch that's reverted back to its original
0:30:24 > 0:30:26form will encourage this rhody to remain variegated,
0:30:26 > 0:30:29with those multicoloured leaves.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31I'll follow this back with my hand.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Be very careful because it's quite easy to make a mistake.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36I mean, I've done that before.
0:30:37 > 0:30:42If you find...if the saw gets stuck for any reason,
0:30:42 > 0:30:48just help yourself by levering the stem back slightly
0:30:48 > 0:30:50and it makes it easier to cut through.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52And there we are.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54One piece of rhododendron
0:30:54 > 0:30:55and just put it away.
0:30:58 > 0:30:59Problem solved.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01But that's not all the cutting back done,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03as Dan's got a plan to make a wild flower patch.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11What I've done is I've got a roughly mown area
0:31:11 > 0:31:15and then I've let this area around here grow a bit longer.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Now, the reason I've done that
0:31:17 > 0:31:20is so that we can encourage wild flowers.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Now, wild flowers mean pollination
0:31:23 > 0:31:25and pollination means that it's going to attract bees
0:31:25 > 0:31:28and also it gives cover for wildlife.
0:31:28 > 0:31:29They absolutely love it.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35Danny has decided to re-use this old tree stump as a natural plant pot
0:31:35 > 0:31:38and Lou has found a forgotten pot-bound honeysuckle to recycle -
0:31:38 > 0:31:43more nectar for the bees and berries for the birds later on.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46This is a stump, which we've left in the ground,
0:31:46 > 0:31:49and what's great about this is it's going to attract bugs.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53As it deteriorates, more and more bugs will come into this area.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Now, here's a happy accident.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58This is shaped like a pot
0:31:58 > 0:32:01and we've decided to put a honeysuckle in there.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05And I thought it would be great idea to plant it in this stump
0:32:05 > 0:32:09and then, in time, it will romp away across the ground
0:32:09 > 0:32:12and then it will find this cherry that's just behind me,
0:32:12 > 0:32:14which is going in here.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16It will find it and climb all over it
0:32:16 > 0:32:19and, in time, it will look absolutely fantastic.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27It's great to recycle what you already have,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30but when choosing new plants for a wildlife garden
0:32:30 > 0:32:35it's important to select ones that will attract birds and insects.
0:32:35 > 0:32:36Back at the garden centre,
0:32:36 > 0:32:40there are two specific plants which should do the trick on Danny's list.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44But we've got to choose just one of those and we're in need of help.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47So we've enlisted garden centre manager Andrew Rawson.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52Andrew, what would you recommend for a garden that is welcoming wildlife?
0:32:52 > 0:32:54- You'd like to see more wildlife wouldn't you?- I would, yes.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57We've got the edgeworthia here, which is absolutely beautiful.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59It's very early flowering, in January,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01with a beautiful sweet scent.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04It's great for those early insects after pollen
0:33:04 > 0:33:07and nectar very early in the spring, so absolutely beautiful
0:33:07 > 0:33:10and a must in my view for a lot of gardens, but quite usual.
0:33:10 > 0:33:11What colour does it flower?
0:33:11 > 0:33:15It flowers, starts off with a tight bud that's yellow
0:33:15 > 0:33:17that turns white.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19- You don't think of things that will flower in January, do you?- No.
0:33:19 > 0:33:20No, you don't.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23People tend to think of things that flower in late May and throughout
0:33:23 > 0:33:27the summer so, you know, don't forget the whole year, really.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30In terms of wildlife, how important do you think it is to get
0:33:30 > 0:33:31things flowering from the start of the year?
0:33:31 > 0:33:33I think it's absolutely crucial.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36If you are attracting wildlife and want to keep wildlife to the garden,
0:33:36 > 0:33:40you need plants that are going to flower 12 months of the year.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42It's not just the summer.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45The beetles and the wildlife are there all year
0:33:45 > 0:33:46so you need plants for all year.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51Now, we have been specifically asked to look for a Californian lilac
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- and an "exordia"?- Exochorda. Yeah.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Exochorda. The Bride.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59The exochorda's here. It's quite a nice shrub.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02It's often grown as a wall climber
0:34:02 > 0:34:05because it's quite untidy as a shrub. Beautiful flowers.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Many years ago, they used to use it for early weddings.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09In May, you would cut off the flowers
0:34:09 > 0:34:11and use them in wedding bouquets
0:34:11 > 0:34:14but it's great. It attracts all the bees and the butterflies.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18A nice little bit of scent there as well on a calm day. It's lovely.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21It will grow in sun or partial shade,
0:34:21 > 0:34:23which makes it useful for most people to put in the garden.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- Does that stay green all year? - No, it doesn't.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29It's a deciduous shrub so it does lose it leaves in the winter time.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31That's one of its minus points
0:34:31 > 0:34:34but, otherwise, a really handy plant to have in the garden.
0:34:34 > 0:34:35So that's the Exochorda.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- This? - This is the Californian lilac.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41There's a lot of different varieties available.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43A lot of different powdery blue colours there.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Absolutely brilliant as a wall climber, again.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49It will grow on trellis work, fences, whatever it may be.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51They start flowering usually in May
0:34:51 > 0:34:54and go on to the end of June, depending on variety.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56They are evergreen, so different from the Exochorda,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59so you've got something there in the winter time. Easily trimmed.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03Very reliable and, again, very good for butterflies,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05bees, all types of insects.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- So they're very little maintenance? - Yes, very little.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Just a little bit of pruning, really, after flowering and tying in.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15Very easy. The soil they like. They like a well-drained soil.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19Again, not waterlogged. A bit like the Exochorda, will grow almost anywhere.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21In terms of the Californian lilac,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24if we are looking for something that attracts wildlife all year round,
0:35:24 > 0:35:29is that slightly better or more advantageous because it's got flowers and berries?
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Yes, certainly better than the Exochorda because you can hit them in two stages,
0:35:32 > 0:35:35so you are giving them some food in the autumn for the winter
0:35:35 > 0:35:38and also the nectar and everything in the spring, and on large plants,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41very often you find that because they are evergreen,
0:35:41 > 0:35:45you get nest builders, so you get your thrushes and your blackbirds all building their nests in there,
0:35:45 > 0:35:48which is also an addition to your wildlife, so really good.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- So that could grow big enough for a bird to build a nest in?- Absolutely.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Some of the varieties get very tall or very bushy.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56- Oh, that's sold.- An excellent one.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58You only need a bird feeder. Thank you for your guidance, Andrew.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00I suspect I know what the answer might be,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- but which one do you want to go for? - The Californian lilac.- OK.
0:36:03 > 0:36:04Good choice, I think.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- Do you have a trolley or do you want me to carry it for you? - We have you.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- Is that all right?- That's fine. No problem.- Thank you, Andrew.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13It's a big plant and should be just the job.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Meanwhile, I hope the team have nearly finished,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18as we are heading back to the garden right now.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Back in the Yardley back yard, the team are going full pelt,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26tidying up the patio and extending and refreshing the gravel.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Danny, have you got those rake hands of yours?
0:36:30 > 0:36:33But there is one very important job that Danny has
0:36:33 > 0:36:35left for Sophie's sons, Louis and Jack.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37After years of pummelling her lawn,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40he thinks it's about time they paid her back.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Louis, Jack, do you want to come this way?
0:36:44 > 0:36:46Here you are. Here's a present for you both.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48You're probably wondering why I've given you these.
0:36:48 > 0:36:53One of the most important things to renovating a lawn
0:36:53 > 0:36:56is to allow for drainage to go through
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- and you lads, you've been playing football out here for years, haven't you?- Yeah.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03So, what you've done, you've compacted the lawn.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06The quickest and easiest way to breathe new life
0:37:06 > 0:37:10into a compacted lawn is to get air into it to help drainage.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Just put the fork in the ground like this
0:37:13 > 0:37:15and just wiggle it around.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17You can even lift. I tend to...
0:37:17 > 0:37:19lift it slightly like this
0:37:19 > 0:37:22and you can be quite brutal with it.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26It doesn't matter. Lift it, turn it, shake it around like that.
0:37:26 > 0:37:27And there you've got your holes.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30You guys used to play football in here quite a bit, didn't you?
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Yeah, we used to use the whole garden.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- So you're quite keen footballers? - Yeah, we're keen.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36- Do play for any teams? - Yeah, I did.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39I played football from the age of seven.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41What other way do you keep fit?
0:37:41 > 0:37:43I skate.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45I tell you what, if you helped your mum out with the garden...
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- Yeah, the manual labour. - ..this could be your gym, couldn't it?
0:37:49 > 0:37:50Save on the old membership.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52- It could be.- You wouldn't have far to travel.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55Just walk out the back door. Here you are.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58I see what you've done there, Danny. Very clever.
0:37:58 > 0:37:59I hope I can help, too.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01I've left Sophie having a cuppa
0:38:01 > 0:38:04and brought back the huge Californian lilac.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Fingers crossed Danny has left some space for it.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- Hey. Whoops.- Hey! Oh.
0:38:09 > 0:38:10Hello, Helen.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12- Celebrated too soon. - I tell you what.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15I think you need a licence for this.
0:38:15 > 0:38:16Oh, blimey.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- Make your own jokes about women drivers.- No, no, I wouldn't do that.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- Not at all. - A Californian lilac for you.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Absolutely beautiful.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25Absolutely gorgeous.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27And this is obviously the time of year it blooms,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29and look at that blue flower.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Sophie loves that and I think she's going to love this because
0:38:32 > 0:38:34I can see that you have been very busy.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36You've added... None of this was here, was it?
0:38:36 > 0:38:38No, none of this was here.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- So what we've done, we've made the bed bigger.- OK.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- So, we've made that patio bigger. - Yep.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46POTTERY BREAKS
0:38:46 > 0:38:48'Oops. AJ has had a mishap with an old pot.'
0:38:48 > 0:38:49Did you break that?
0:38:49 > 0:38:51I just picked it up.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53With my strength.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Is that what happened? You don't know your own strength?
0:38:56 > 0:38:59- You're just so muscly and manly, AJ.- I can glue it.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02No-one saw it. It's all right.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05OK, so while he's breaking pots, literally,
0:39:05 > 0:39:07you have been making a bit of a wildlife haven back here.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11- Absolutely.- You've been quite busy over here as well.- Yeah.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13So we've added a log store.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17Or AJ has added a log store and I think it looks absolutely fab.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- It all looks fab.- Yeah. - Bless you. I can tell how hard you've been working.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23I'm struggling a bit here with the old voice.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Tired or not, there's no time to lose and it's all hands to
0:39:27 > 0:39:29the pump for one final push
0:39:29 > 0:39:31to complete Sophie's wildlife wonderland.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35It's almost time to reveal the garden to Sophie,
0:39:35 > 0:39:38but not without giving her sons Louis and Jack
0:39:38 > 0:39:40a pat on the back first.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44You two look as if you've put a full day's shift in.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45How are you feeling?
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- Is manual labour for you going forward then, boys?- No.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- Why did you want to do this for your mum?- She very much deserves it,
0:39:52 > 0:39:56the garden makeover, for all the work she has done over the years.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58And all the hard work she has put into the family
0:39:58 > 0:40:02and then taking care of all three of us, including Casey,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05and even Grandad for the last two years.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07So there's just going to be you at home soon, Louis,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- cos Jack is on his way to uni. - Yeah.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Are you going to be staying in every night and every weekend
0:40:12 > 0:40:14for the next ten years to hang out with your mum
0:40:14 > 0:40:16and make sure she's got loads of company?
0:40:16 > 0:40:20I hope not, but she might make me.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Well, you might be exhausted, but I can honestly say
0:40:23 > 0:40:26I think it has been worth it because it looks great.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28I think she's going to love it.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30- So well done, you two.- Thanks.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- Right, well I will go and get her.- Good.
0:40:33 > 0:40:34You relax.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38Just ten hours ago, this garden was a wildlife-free zone
0:40:38 > 0:40:42lacking bird song and the buzz of insects.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46The boys had worn out the lawn and the patio had seen better days.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50There were piles of wood and junk strewn about the place
0:40:50 > 0:40:54and at the end of the garden was an unkempt mess.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56But in just one day,
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Danny and the team have revived it beyond recognition.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03The lawn has been given shape by taking the curve of the patio
0:41:03 > 0:41:05and carrying it on through the garden
0:41:05 > 0:41:08and the flowerbeds have been enlarged.
0:41:09 > 0:41:14AJ's new woodshed now shelters the once haphazardly stacked timber
0:41:14 > 0:41:18and his water butt will collect and recycle rainwater from the roof.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Finally, the planting has been wisely chosen to encourage
0:41:23 > 0:41:25the wildlife Sophie desires.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27An assortment of flowering
0:41:27 > 0:41:31and fruiting plants that are sure to prove enticing to animals
0:41:31 > 0:41:34will encourage life back into this back yard.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37Danny has done his utmost to revitalise this
0:41:37 > 0:41:40once neglected plot and give Sophie the wildlife sanctuary
0:41:40 > 0:41:44she was hoping for. But will she agree?
0:41:44 > 0:41:47At last, the time has come for Sophie to give her feelings on what
0:41:47 > 0:41:52the team and her sons have managed to accomplish in a few short hours.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57OK.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01Right, Sophie, step out here...
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- Hello.- Hello. - ...and have a look around.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07Oh, my God. Look at that.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14The wood store, the water butt.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Oh, my God. Look at the floor.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- It's crunchy.- Crunchy.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20Have you been busy, boys?
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- So if you look up at the back... - Oh, that looks amazing.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- I think she's happy. - I think she likes it.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32She didn't even stop to talk to us, did she?
0:42:32 > 0:42:36She just...straight into the garden, looking around.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- Oh, that looks gorgeous.- It is a big smile. She's laughing.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41I think she's happy.
0:42:41 > 0:42:42Oh, you guys have worked so hard.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44You said you couldn't do it in a day.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47- You've nearly finished them off though, Sophie.- I bet.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50- The three of them are exhausted. - Oh, have you worked really hard?
0:42:52 > 0:42:55Danny has really gone the extra mile
0:42:55 > 0:42:57to resuscitate Sophie's worn-out plot
0:42:57 > 0:43:01and deliver her a space where she can experience the beauty of nature.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06A place to relax in as her children fly the nest
0:43:06 > 0:43:10and where she can entertain and care for her elderly father.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14So at the back you can see there's quite a few differences.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18A bit of a tidy up. The long grass has been left on the left
0:43:18 > 0:43:20so that... For wildlife.
0:43:20 > 0:43:25A honeysuckle has been planted into the tree stump for wildlife.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Talk us through what's in that bedding in terms of...
0:43:28 > 0:43:30- Well, you've got fruit trees in the bed.- Oh, have I?
0:43:30 > 0:43:34- Yeah, so you've got an apple, a plum.- Oh, lovely.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36- Do you feel a bit more grown-up? - Oh, it looks gorgeous.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38It looks so nice.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41- You've done so much in one day. Thank you.- That's OK. A pleasure.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44The boys were just wondering if we could have a little kickabout,
0:43:44 > 0:43:47- just to mark the completion of the garden.- No.
0:43:48 > 0:43:52Well, I think we can all agree this is a nice, grown-up space.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54You can socialise. You can entertain.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57You're going to attract reams and reams of wildlife.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59And I've got a water butt as well, I can see.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- Well, the guys look exhausted but you look happy.- I'm happy.
0:44:02 > 0:44:04- Is it a thumbs up for the garden? - Totally.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07- Give us a hug.- Congratulations. Well done, Danny.- Thanks, Helen.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11I think that hug says it all. That is one happy mum, and no wonder.
0:44:11 > 0:44:13She's got the perfect garden for the next chapter
0:44:13 > 0:44:15in her and her boys' lives.